'Stabbed in the back!' Britain's Brexit fisheries deal torn apart on fifth anniversary: 'We got NOTHING'

Reform UK's fisheries spokeswoman June Mummery has launched a scathing attack on post-Brexit fishing arrangements, declaring that fishermen and coastal communities have been "stabbed in the back".

Speaking to GB News, Mummery expressed deep frustration over what she described as a complete failure to secure meaningful benefits from Brexit for the fishing industry, as today marks the fifth anniversary of Britain's official exit from the European Union.

"We haven't taken back in full control of our waters. What did we actually get? We got nothing," she argued.

Mummery particularly emphasised the impact on coastal communities, where fishing remains the primary industry.

"You gave our fisheries away, you sacrificed our coastal communities because, let's face it, fish is the main industry for coastal communities and coastal folk," she told GB News.

Five years on from the UK's exit, the country is facing its first post-Brexit legal battle against the EU following the bloc's challenge of Britain's North Sea sandeel fishing ban.

Lawyers for the European Union have taken the UK to an arbitration tribunal over the ban. The EU's legal representative, Anthony Dawes, said Britain's "prohibition of all sandeel fishing in its North Sea waters nullifies rights conferred on the European Union".

Reflecting on the state of the fishing arrangements five years post-Brexit, Mummery expressed disbelief at the decision to relinquish control of British waters.

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"I'll never understand in a million years what country gives away its waters and the rich resource," Mummery stated.

"We voted to leave the EU, take back full control of our waters and the rich resource, that was what we voted for," she said.

Mummery raised significant concerns about the continued presence of EU fishing vessels in British waters. "We've still got 1700 EU vessels plundering our oceans," she claimed.

She warned that these vessels operate without proper oversight, creating potential risks for marine environments.

"They're not monitored, they're not regulated. It's ridiculous, it's wrong," she stated.

The Reform UK spokeswoman suggested this situation has put marine ecosystems at risk. "We have put our Mother Nature and the ocean in grave danger," Mummery warned.

She highlighted concerns about offshore wind farms, noting that British waters' resources were being controlled by foreign interests.

"Whether it is fish, aggregate, wind, we don't own any of those offshore wind companies, they're all foreign owned as well. So we've given our ocean away," she said.

The former Brexit Party MEP even called for dramatic political change to address these issues. "The only way we will ever take back full control of our waters and that rich resource is to get that lot in Parliament out, end off," she declared.

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'Destroying our​ city!' Labour-run regions account for almost half of knife crime stats in latest report

Almost half of recorded knife crime incidents have taken place in Labour-run areas, the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures have revealed..

London, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester - all of which have Labour Mayors - make up around 45.3 per cent of the total knife-related offences recorded in the year leading up to last September.

Police forces across the three regions have reported 24,940 knife-related offences out of England and Wales' overall total of 55,008 incidents.

In Andy Burnham's Greater Manchester, police recorded 3,427 offences involving a knife or a sharp instrument, while West Midlands noted 4,930 incidents, which has been run by Richard Parker since May 6.

Sadiq Khan's London accounted for the most offences, with 16,583 knife crimes reported across the same timeframe.

In response to statistics recorded in the capital, City Hall Conservatives' crime spokeswoman Susan Hall said: "Today's figures bring shame on the Labour politicians and bureaucrats at City Hall who have presided over this crimewave that is destroying our city.

"I will continue to oppose Khan's misguided budget that seeks to cut the Met Police by 1,300 officers until I am blue in the face because I know that this will only make things worse.

"Labour's refusal to get to grips with this problem - to back our officers, to back stop and search, to come down on offenders - is shattering lives in London. It cannot continue."

Hall's damning criticism of Khan has followed the London Mayor's announcement earlier this month that residents will have to endure another council tax increase "to fill financial gaps" in the Met Police's budget.

The tax hike is expected to raise a further £54million to increase the number of neighbourhood officers on the city's streets.

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Earlier today, Yvette Cooper's adviser Danny Shaw said that the Crime Survey of England and Wales "is regarded as the most reliable indicator of crime trends", explaining that the rate of recorded knife-related offences had finally returned to pre-pandemic levels.

He said: "There were 55,008 offences in the year to the end of September 2024, compared to 55,170 offences in the 12 months to the end of March 2020."

However, the decrease has not minimised the impact felt by victims as stabbings persist on the nation's streets. A 15-year-old boy sustained "potentially life changing" injuries after a stabbing in Kingston upon Thames on Wednesday.

Last week, 12-year-old Leo Ross died in hospital after he suffered stab wounds to his stomach in Birmingham, while a nurse was stabbed in a separate incident at the Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester just a fortnight ago.

Following the publication of ONS' latest crime statistics, a spokesman for the Mayor of London said: "Today’s ONS figures show that the violent crime rate in London again remains lower than the average for the rest of the country and fewer offences have been recorded over the last 12-month period.

"This builds on the progress that the Mayor has achieved in London with the number of young people being injured with knives, homicides, gun crime lethal barrel discharges, and burglary all down since 2016.

"Recorded rates of theft, shoplifting and robbery have increased nationally, fuelled by the cost-of-living crisis – while policing continues to feel the impact of a decade of damaging real-terms cuts by the previous Government.”

In an attempt to crackdown on knife violence, Labour will consider a ban on kitchen knives after actor and campaigner Idris Elba, 52, demanded "innovative" change.

The actor claimed that last year's ban on zombie knives and machetes was not sufficient in tackling the accessibility of such weapons and has now suggested that domestic knives should be rounded.

GB News has approached the Home Office, the Labour Party and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and West Midlands Combined Authority for comment.

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​Victory for GB News! British classic car brand given lifeline after warning it would 'delay future plans' over EV targets

One of the UK's most legendary car manufacturers has secured a victory against strict electric vehicle targets after it warned that it would be forced to delay all future plans.

Earlier this week, Lister Motor Company, Britain's oldest racing car manufacturer, warned that the Government's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate would severely impact the business.

Its CEO Lawrence Whittaker told GB News that Lister Motors was being forced to make the "heart-breaking decision to put all future plans on hold".

He called on the Government for an "urgent update" so manufacturers which do not mass-produce vehicles could have clarity on the next five years of manufacturing.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing motoring@gbnews.uk

Many shared their frustrations at potentially losing a British icon to net zero rules and the knock-on effect it could have on other manufacturers and the automotive industry.

However, a resolution appears to be on the horizon as Whittaker plans to meet with the Department for Transport about the future of the ZEV mandate and the impact it could have on Lister.

Taking to social media, the CEO thanked his followers for boosting the concerns of Lister Motors and helping him secure a discussion with the DfT.

He added: "The power of Twitter! Hoping to have a very positive chat to the DFT about small volume exemptions. Wish me luck!"

READ MORE: Classic British car brand forced to put 'all future plans on hold' because of electric vehicle targets

The Department for Transport told GB News that manufacturers selling fewer than 1,000 cars are exempt from the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate and associated CO2 targets up to 2030.

A spokesperson clarified that this has always been the case and that the Government is supporting the automotive sector throughout the transition to electric vehicles.

They added: "We are therefore currently consulting on requirements between 2030 and 2035, including details for smaller manufacturers, and will confirm details in due course."

While manufacturers who produce less than 1,000 cars are exempt from all ZEV mandate targets, this is only for the duration of the legislation, which could still change after 2030.

While Labour had pledged to bring back the original 2030 deadline to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans, it has not yet made these changes, opting to launch a consultation instead.

Labour is consulting on the phase-out of new cars that rely solely on an internal combustion engine from 2030. Two of the questions in the survey specifically ask whether these changes should be made.

It asks whether small-volume manufacturers which produce between 1,000 and 2,499 vehicles per year and micro-volume manufacturers (less than 1,000) should be subject to the 2030 requirements.

The consultation was first launched on Christmas Eve and is set to close on February 18, with hopes the responses from industry experts will help inform future legislation.

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The ZEV mandate consultation document outlines that the Government "must also consider the role of smaller volume manufacturers" to hit targets laid out for 2030 and 2035.

It estimates that roughly 18 manufacturers are responsible for 90 per cent of all car sales, while 14 van brands cater to 95 per cent of all van sales.

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'Performative politics!' Ben Habib blasts Rachel Reeves for backing Heathrow expansion amid 'damaging' Budget

Former Reform UK deputy leader Ben Habib has branded Chancellor Rachel Reeves's support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport "performative politics", claiming she has no "serious intention" to build it.

Speaking to GB News, Habib said while he supports the runway project, he believes the announcement is merely political posturing.

"I think this is performative politics. I don't think she's got a serious intention to build it," Habib said.

Reeves announced her backing for the airport expansion earlier today as part of her plans to boost UK economic growth.

He suggested Reeves was comfortable making the announcement knowing that the necessary processes would "exceed the length of this Parliament".

Habib argued: "She knows that she can wrap herself in the cloak of desiring to grow, comfortable that actually all the processes through which she would have to go to navigate and deliver that runway will exceed the length of this Parliament. So she can say, I'm doing everything I want for growth, but actually I'm hindered in the process."

The Chancellor emphasised the airport's role in connecting Britain to emerging markets worldwide, declaring there had been "no progress in 80 years" on the project.

She claimed the expansion was "badly needed" and could generate over 100,000 jobs.

Despite his criticism of Reeves, Habib expressed strong support for the Heathrow expansion project itself.

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Habib said: "I absolutely support a third runway at Heathrow, I think that Heathrow is a diminished form of what it used to be and it's lost its position globally.

"I support the third runway, but that ain't the way to go right now."

However, Habib also outlined several alternative measures he believes would better stimulate economic growth for Britain, such as a U-turn on the rise in Employers' National Insurance.

Habib stated: "If she was genuinely interested in growth, what she would be doing is reversing her incredibly damaging increases in employers National insurance. She would be not passing the Employment Rights Bill that's going through Parliament, that is going to be so constraining for employers and therefore for productivity and growth in this country."

He expressed concerns about proposed rent reform bills, which he claimed would damage the housing market.

Habib added: "She would not pass the rent reform bills, which are going to be so damaging to our housing market. She would ditch the notion that companies and businesses need to keep records of ethnicity and ethnicity wage gaps and all that sort of thing if they really wanted to go for growth."

He also advocated for improved road infrastructure to central London, suggesting it would help business leaders access the capital more efficiently.

"I would also include to improve dramatically the road infrastructure into central London, so we can have the great and good of business and leaders across the world come to this country and go straight into central London", Habib claimed.

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'Hang your heads in shame!' Lee Anderson blasts Labour's 'nonsense' migration strategy as shock new data predicts population boom: 'Lunatics!'

Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has launched a scathing attack on the Government over migration projections, labelling parliamentary colleagues as "lunatics" who are disconnected from reality.

Speaking to GB News, Anderson claimed migration has "spiralled out of control", starting under "Blair's leadership" and "worsening under Conservative governments".

The MP argued that while migration contributes to economic growth, it has made the country "less productive".

"I was always taught, even in basic economics at school, the way you become more productive in this country is to do more with less people," Anderson said.

He insisted current migration policies are making British citizens poorer, with nobody having voted for such dramatic increases.

"Nobody in this country voted for it, it's making us all poorer," Anderson told GB News.

The Reform UK politician expressed particular concern about what he views as low-value economic activities proliferating across the country.

"We see nail bars opening, barber shops opening, you see all these fast food places, we see Deliveroo drivers," he said, adding that such businesses are "taking far more out than they're actually paying in".

New data from the Office for National Statistics reveals the UK population is set to surge by almost five million over the next seven years.

The ONS projects the total population will reach 72.5 million by mid-2032, marking a significant increase from 67.6 million in mid-2022.

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Anderson painted a stark picture of what he sees as Parliament's disconnect from everyday challenges faced by the public.

"These lunatics over here that work in Parliament, I sit with them. I've been there this morning," he told GB News.

He argued that parliamentarians are shielded from the real-world problems affecting ordinary citizens.

"They're not queuing up for a doctor's appointment, they don't have to pull their own teeth out, they're not queuing up for a council house," Anderson said.

The Reform UK MP highlighted the disparity in education access, noting that many parliamentarians "probably go to a private school" while others worry about their children's school placements.

"It's absolutely disgusting. We're letting the country down and that place should hang its head in shame," he declared.

Anderson insisted the current situation is "an absolute nonsense," suggesting a fundamental disconnect between policymakers and the public they serve.

ONS head of population and household projections James Robards said: "The UK population is projected to grow by almost five million over the next decade."

"The driver of this growth is migration, with natural change – the difference between births and deaths – projected to be around zero," he added.

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'Uber-hypocrite' Ed Miliband hires taxpayer funded 'vanity photographer' to fix public image

Ed Miliband has been labelled an "uber-hypocrite" after receiving backlash for hiring a tax-payer-funded "vanity photographer".

As leader of the Labour Party, Miliband took aim at then Prime Minister David Cameron for having a personal photographer in 2010.

However, in his new role as Net Zero Secretary, Miliband is looking to hire a photographer to take pictures of ministerial visits and shoot official portraits.

Taxpayers will foot the bill of the position's hefty pay and pension package - at around £50,000 each year on a pro-rata basis.

In 2014, he became subject to great public scrutiny after photographers managed to capture him eating a bacon sandwich in New Covent Garden - which was meant to help the Labour MP deter his "geeky" image.

However, as soon as his advisers attempted to salvage the incident, the photographers had already snapped the damning material that would haunt the British politician for years to come.

Shadow Paymaster General Richard Holden has now hit out at the Energy Secretary, saying: "It wasn't that long ago that Red Ed was attacking David Cameron for having an official photographer."

"Now, with photos of him and a bacon sandwich and the 'Ed Stone' seared in the public mind, you can see why uber-hypocrite Ed 'two kitchens' Miliband has hypocritically hired a taxpayer-funded vanity photographer to try and avoid such snaps in the future."

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One senior Tory insider added: "It’s a classic case of do as I say, not as I do."

Miliband's department has explained that the advertised role will support the work of all ministers - rather than just the Secretary of State.

Regarding the salary, a spokeswoman clarified: "It is a flexi role and part-time so they will not be paid the full advertised rate."

In 2010, after Cameron announced that he had been allowed to have an official photographer, he became an easy target during PMQs.

On one occasion, Miliband questioned whether it was "a wise judgment when [the Prime Minister] was telling everyone to tighten their belts".

As a result, Cameron said that he took the photographer off the public purse, opting to charge his own party for it instead.

Last year, Angela Rayner came under similar fire for having her own photographer - with an advertised salary nearing £68,000.

She had received the same cries of alleged hypocrisy from the Conservatives, who harked back to her past criticism of Boris Johnson for having a photographer during his time at Number 10.

In 1997, Tony Blair looked to make a similar hire when he entered Downing Street, although his cabinet secretary was quick to ban the move due to it being an inappropriate use of public money.

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'Completely unacceptable!' Tory councillor tears into plans to hike tax bills by FIVE times the legal limit: 'We won't suck it up and suffer'

A Conservative councillor has hit out at the "completely unacceptable" plans by a local authority to hike residents' tax bills by 25 per cent, stating that residents "can't afford it".

More than four million people are facing council tax rises after eight bankrupt town halls asked for permission to raise bills by a larger amount than is normally allowed by law.

In one district, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM), household bills will increase by 25 per cent - the largest increase in England for two decades. Another seven councils have proposed rises between 10 and 15 per cent from April.

Speaking to GB News, Conservative councillor Sally Coneron claimed the Liberal Democrats in charge of the council have "totally lost control of the finances" and are expecting residents to "foot the bill".

"They're expecting the residents to pick up the bill instead of tightening their belts and do all the promises that they had almost two years ago, and ever since then have just overspent, 16 million and counting," she told GB News.

Detailing the financial impact on residents, Coneran claimed that the hike will mean an extra £450 will be added to average household bills in the area, affecting 154,000 residents.

"It's five times more than what would usually be even allowed. We currently have an average about £1,800 for our council tax," Coneron said.

"People don't have this money just lying around certainly at the moment. It's just not the sort of money that you find lying between your sofa cushions," she added.

Coneron pointed to ongoing recruitment at the council as evidence of financial mismanagement, as well as "empty office spaces" not being used.

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"We've still got 22 job adverts going out, so they're still employing more people consistently, which involves training, pensions for them as well," she said.

Coneran added: "There's empty office spaces - we haven't seen any plans for those office spaces to be filled and for that money to come in, and there's land holdings that we were planning on doing a lot with to bring in income, and that's just been delayed and delayed and delayed.

"So very, very little has been done to stop this happening."

The Tory councillor called for intervention, suggesting commissioners should take over the council's management.

She concluded: "We don't believe that the Liberal Democrat leadership is capable of bringing us out of this, and I think, to be honest, we are now hoping for an accelerated local government reform in Berkshire and to bring the commissioners in."

She warned the tax increase would bring no improvements to services. "No one's going to see any real benefit from this. All they're going to see is approximately £450 more come out of their bank," she said.

"The reality is people can't afford it, so it's almost a moot point."

A Local Government Association spokesman said: "Many councils have faced the tough choice about whether to increase bills to bring in desperately-needed funding to provide services at a time when they are acutely aware of the significant burden that could place on some households."

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Donald Trump FINALLY calls Keir Starmer just days after PM pleaded President to pick up phone

Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer have held a phone call six days after the President returned to the White House, Downing Street has confirmed.

Just hours after it emerged that the Prime Minister was forced to wait while Trump called the leaders of China, Saudi Arabia and El Salvador, No10 has issued an official readout of the pair's call today.

Trump, who yesterday said Starmer had "done a very good job" so far and claimed the duo "get along well", hailed the Royal Family and paid a touching tribute to the PM's brother, who died on Boxing Day last year.

The trans-Atlantic two have also agreed to meet "soon", No10 added.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump on Sunday.

"President Trump opened by sending his condolences to the Prime Minister on the loss of his brother.

"The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his kind words and congratulated him on his inauguration.

"The Prime Minister paid tribute to President Trump's role in securing the landmark ceasefire and hostages deal in Gaza.

"The President welcomed the release of Emily Damari and sent his best wishes to her family.

"They discussed the importance of working together for security in the Middle East.

"They also discussed trade and the economy, with the Prime Minister setting out how we are deregulating to boost growth.

"The two leaders stressed the importance of the close and warm ties between the UK and the US, and the President spoke of his respect and affection for the Royal Family.

"They agreed to meet soon and looked forward to further discussions then."

More to follow...

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'Labour needs to stop promising things,' says Dame Andrea Jenkyns

Dame Andrea Jenkyns has praised GB News for providing "fair debates" whilst delivering a scathing assessment of mainstream media coverage in Britain.

The former Conservative politician highlighted what she sees as significant issues with traditional media outlets, suggesting they need to do "so much" to restore public trust.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

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I was booed for raising rape gangs in parliament. Here's what it taught me about Britain's Establishment - Andrew RT Davies

Whether you agree with him or not, what President Trump’s first few days back in the Oval Office has shown is that governments who want to do things can do them, if the determination is there.

Too often in Britain, there are always excuses for why we can’t change things. We’re told we couldn’t leave the EU, we can’t leave the ECHR, we can’t reduce immigration, usually followed up by a vague excuse about stakeholders, international law, or some committee or other.

A willing UK Government would have widespread public support for calling a national inquiry into grooming gangs. But we have been given the standard sort of excuses.

We were told by Labour that calling for one was a ‘political stunt’ and a ‘bandwagon’. We were told that a few years ago, the Jay review looked into all of this (even though the Jay review only looked at a handful of towns in Britain).

Unlike Trump, who has delivered huge change through a stroke of his black and gold Sharpie pen, the establishment in Britain closes ranks yet again, telling us that clear solutions to obvious problems are overly simplistic.

Facing massive political pressure, the UK Government has now reluctantly agreed to another handful-of-towns style of inquiry, which is a total cop-out and will not give us a true picture of the extent of grooming gangs’ activities in the UK.

In the Welsh Parliament we see the same playbook in action. When my colleague Darren Millar asked the Welsh First Minister about grooming gangs, and began outlining a victim’s harrowing story, the Senedd’s Presiding Officer (the Senedd’s equivalent of the Speaker of the House of Commons) shut him down.

Darren was told he was being “overly descriptive”, that he should “tone down the rhetoric” and avoid “inflaming discrimination”. As the Jay review found, there's a constant fear of upsetting the apple cart that allowed grooming gangs to continue their activities relatively undisturbed.

WATCH: Fiery clash in Welsh parliament over grooming gangs that led to 'censorship' accusations

During the same session, I asked the First Minister about what discussions she’d had with the UK Government about grooming gangs.

Astonishingly, my question was met by groans from Members from other parties across the Senedd’s debating floor, and audible moans of “dear, dear”.

Seeing that the Labour UK Government is unwilling to do the right thing, take action, and call a UK-wide national inquiry, the Welsh Conservatives have called for the Labour Welsh Government to call a Wales-wide inquiry.

Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay have refused. Again, despite widespread public support, the establishment closes ranks and denies victims the answers they deserve.

The Welsh Government has said it doesn’t believe there are any “current widespread issues with grooming gangs” in Wales, and that “you can never say this will not be happening somewhere”.

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These weak reassurances are not enough. The threshold for taking action against grooming gangs should not be when it becomes “widespread”, and we should not accept some small level of this activity as part of life in modern Britain.

We should seek it out and stamp it out. An inquiry is the first step towards that aim.

Victims deserve an inquiry. The British establishment, which allowed these atrocities to go on for too long out of cultural convenience or because people were frightened of being called racist, owes it to the victims to find answers and expose truths.

It seems the only people who don’t want to hold a proper inquiry are those politicians with the power to call one. The question we’re all left asking is: Why is that?

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Rachel Reeves accused of HYPOCRISY over Heathrow's third runway after previous interventions unearthed

Rachel Reeves is facing accusations of hypocrisy over her stance on airport expansion this weekend, after giving her backing to Heathrow's third runway.

The Chancellor, who is expected to support major airport expansions in an upcoming speech on growth, had objected to a £150million terminal at Leeds Bradford Airport in 2020.

At the time, she cited environmental concerns, saying the Leeds project would "significantly increase air and noise pollution" and undermine carbon neutrality efforts.

Her apparent U-turn has drawn criticism from Conservative opponents, with Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Kevin Hollinrake calling it "a classic case of do as I say not as I do".

In her 2020 objection to the Leeds Bradford Airport expansion, Reeves emphasised local environmental commitments.

"[The proposals] would undermine vital efforts to ensure that Leeds upholds its commitment to become a carbon neutral city by 2030," the Leeds MP stated at the time.

Her current position marks a significant shift as Chancellor, where she has made it her mission to stop "Nimbys" blocking major projects to boost economic growth.

Reeves is now expected to endorse expansion plans not only at Heathrow but also at Gatwick and Luton Airports.

Speaking in Davos, Reeves defended her pro-growth stance against potential opposition within Labour.

She said: "This was the problem with the last government – that there was always somebody that said: 'Oh yes, of course we want to grow the economy but we don't like that investment'."

The Chancellor emphasised her commitment to economic growth above other considerations.

Reeves said: "When we say that growth is the number one mission of this Government, we mean it, and that means it trumps other things."

The expected support for airport expansion has put Reeves at odds with senior Labour figures.

Both London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband have previously opposed Heathrow's third runway, with Khan re-elected in 2024 on an anti-expansion platform.

Environmental groups have also voiced strong opposition to the plans.

Alethea Warrington from climate charity Possible warned that approving airport expansions would be "a catastrophic misstep."

Jenny Bates of Friends of the Earth added: "A decision to green-light another runway at Heathrow would be hugely irresponsible in the midst of a climate emergency."

A Treasury spokesperson responded to the controversy, stating: "As the Chancellor has remarked on several occasions last week: This Government will look at each case at its own merits."

The spokesperson highlighted that the government had "already signed off two airport expansion plans at Stansted and at City Airport."

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander faces imminent decisions on further expansion plans.

She has until February 27 to rule on Gatwick's proposal to bring its emergency northern runway into routine use.

A decision on Luton Airport's bid to increase its passenger numbers cap is due by April 3.

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Nigel Farage blasted as 'miserabilist' by Wes Streeting as Labour goes personal in ramped up attack on Reform UK

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched his strongest attack yet on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, accusing him of promoting a "miserabilist, declinist" vision for Britain.

Speaking at the Fabian Society on Saturday, Streeting warned about the threat from the "populist right", saying they "are coming for us and we need to be serious about beating them".

The senior Labour figure delivered his critique at the left-leaning organisation's event in central London's Guildhall.

"The crux of Farage's argument is this: what was possible in the 20th Century isn't possible in the 21st," Streeting told his audience.

Farage swiftly responded to the accusations, claiming it was Labour who had the miserable vision and that Reform represented the "optimistic alternative".

Streeting accused Farage of not believing in a universal health service "free at the point of use" and having a "poverty of ambition" for the UK that Labour "utterly rejects".

The Health Secretary highlighted encounters with voters on the campaign trail who had faced long waits for ambulances and operations.

Some of these people "had been let down by the NHS" and were now considering voting for Reform due to "the most appalling experiences", he said.

Farage took to social media to rebut the accusations, stating Streeting "is so scared of Reform that he has now resorted to lying about our NHS plans".

Farage insisted: "Let me be clear, the NHS will always be free at the point of delivery under a Reform government."

While Farage has previously suggested an insurance-based system, Reform's current policy documents maintain healthcare should remain free at the point of delivery.

Streeting's speech was interrupted shortly after it began when a climate protester stood on her chair and began heckling him. "When we voted for Labour, we voted for change," the demonstrator shouted, criticising the government's subsidies for the Drax power station.

The Health Secretary continued speaking as the protester was escorted from the hall.

A second woman then stood up and began shouting, and was also led out of the venue.

Responding to the disruptions, Streeting departed from his prepared remarks, stating he was "in politics to make real change, not shout from the sidelines", drawing applause from the audience.

He later made light of the situation, expressing surprise that there weren't more protesters present.

Reform UK has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, making inroads with both Conservative and Labour voters according to opinion polls.

Farage has declared his ultimate ambition is to win the next general election, building on his party's recent surge in popularity.

A recent YouGov poll measuring prime ministerial preferences showed Nigel Farage receiving similar levels of support to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

While Reform UK has traditionally been seen as primarily threatening Conservative support, its appeal appears to be broadening.

The party's growing influence has prompted senior Labour figures like Streeting to directly confront what they view as a serious electoral challenge.

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‘Real pain ahead’ for Keir Starmer as Donald Trump enacts US masterplan that Ben Habib warns will ‘take Britain to the cleaners’

Donald Trump’s plan to prioritise America promises ‘pain’ for Great Britain, according to political commentator Ben Habib.

Speaking on GBN America, Habib said Keir Starmer should mimic the US president’s agenda to avoid being “taken to the cleaners” economically.

But the Prime Minister appears at odds with the new president ideologically and Habib has little faith in Starmer following his counterpart’s lead.

“We should have our own independent foreign policy”, Habib said on GBN America.

“I think what Donald Trump is doing for America is putting the US first, and there will be pain in that for the United Kingdom.

“What we’ve got to recognise, and this is on his domestic policy, is that if we don’t mimic that, we’re going to be taken to the cleaners economically.

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“As I say, young, bright individuals will all flock to the US because it will offer them a much better home.

“This isn’t about me saying, ‘I love Trump so the UK should follow what Trump wants’, I’m saying his agenda is the right one and it will cause us real pain unless we do the same agenda.

“It also happens to be an agenda which I have been campaigning for over the last 4-5 years.”

It comes after Trump issued a stark warning to global businesses, declaring they will face tariffs if they don't manufacture their products in the United States.

Speaking via videoconference at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, the US president delivered a clear ultimatum to companies worldwide.

"My message to every business in the world is very simple: Come make your product in America, and we will give you among the lowest taxes of any nation on Earth. But if you don't, you will have to pay a tariff," Trump said.

He announced plans to reduce the corporate tax rate from 21 per cent to 15 per cent for firms manufacturing in America.

The president specifically criticised the European Union's regulatory system, citing his own failed real estate project in Ireland as evidence of bureaucratic obstacles to investment.

Trump also demanded NATO nations increase their defence spending to five per cent of GDP, far above the current two per cent threshold.

"I'm also going to ask all NATO nations to increase defence spending to five per cent of GDP, which is what it should have been years ago," he told the Davos audience.

Later at the Oval Office, Trump questioned whether the US should spend anything on NATO, stating: "We are protecting them. They're not protecting us."

He accused the EU of unfair trade practices, claiming: "The EU does not take our farm products, does not take our cars, yet they send cars to us by the millions."

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Donald Trump 'personally asked Boris Johnson' to witness his swearing in while Nigel Farage 'did not make the cut'

Donald Trump personally asked Boris Johnson to witness his swearing in as President, and has a "good working relationship" with him, says former Tory Security minister Tom Tugendhat.

Tugendhat, who was in Washington DC last week ahead of the President's inauguration, said Trump has personally asked Johnson to be in the rotunda on Capitol Hill to witness personally his swearing in.

Earlier this week Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, told GB News that he had not "made the cut" and been invited to sit in the Rotunda audience.

Tugendhat told today's Chopper's Political Podcast that he had been told by "members of the administration" that it was "a personal decision by the President" to invite Johnson to be there.

He said: "It is very clear to me that that was a personal choice by the president choosing people who he was close to, to be around him on the day."

He added: "It wasn't a large list. There's not that many people can fit in there. And the President went through the list personally and removed some names and added [others]."

Tugendhat added that Johnson - who has in the past intimated he wants a way back into politics - "has had a very good working relationship with Donald Trump.

"He's got a lot of friends in Washington.

"He's got a voice that reaches parts that other politicians don't reach."

Listen or watch Chopper's Political Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or GB News' YouTube channel.

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State pension age row erupts as MPs launch investigation into Waspi women 'injustice'

MPs have called for an urgent inquiry into the Labour Government's decision not to compensate Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) women impacted by historic policy decisions.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for State Pension Inequality for Women has urged the Work and Pensions Committee to investigate the Government's response to a damning ombudsman report.

This request follows the government's acceptance of maladministration in communicating pension changes to 1950s-born women, despite its refusal to provide financial compensation.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) launched its investigation in 2018 to examine potential injustice which reportedly impacted 3.8 million older women.

In the investigation, the PHSO focused on whether these women suffered due to "maladministration" in how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) communicated state pension age changes.

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The probe was specifically designed to determine if the DWP's communication methods regarding the changes to women's state pension age were adequate.

Following the report's findings, the government acknowledged there had been maladministration in how changes were communicated, but rejected the PHSO's proposed remedy. The Government subsequently confirmed it would not provide any financial compensation to women born in the 1950s.

As part of its inquiry, the APPG has now asked the Work and Pensions Committee to evaluate whether the government's decision to withhold financial redress was justified.

Furthermore, the parliamentary group specifically highlighted concerns about the PHSO's statistics regarding women's awareness of the pension changes and how official correspondence was interpreted and retained.

The PHSO investigation revealed that the DWP had provided adequate and accurate information between 1995 and 2004. However, the probe found that DWP decision-making between 2005 and 2007 resulted in a significant delay.

This delay meant there was a 28-month gap before the department began sending letters to 1950s-born women about their state pension age changes.

APPG co-chairs Rebecca Long-Bailey and Bryn Davies expressed deep concern over the Government's stance. "As you can imagine many of those women who have suffered this injustice are simply devastated and perplexed by the Governments response," they said.

The co-chairs formally requested the committee to consider "opening an inquiry or holding a one-off session into the Governments response." The APPG has called for an investigation into what financial redress options were considered and costed by the DWP.

The group also wants to know whether additional compensation options remain available for consideration.

As well as this, parliamentary group noted that while the Work and Pensions Committee lacks legal powers to force government action, it has historically played a crucial role.

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The committee has previously been instrumental in scrutinising government responses to PHSO reports.

As well as this, the APPG has requested that the committee publish its own response to the government's handling of the PHSO report.

"It is gravely concerning that without such scrutiny in this instance, a precedent may be set by this case where the government rejects the PHSO's independent review and central recommendations without further challenge and discussion," the co-chairs stated.

The group emphasised that proper scrutiny of the government's response to the PHSO report was essential to maintain the integrity of independent reviews.

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Starmer ‘bending knee’ to Brussels as EU looks to undo Brexit with ‘disgraceful’ Customs Union deal

Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of "bending the knee" to Brussels as the European Union looks to strike a customs agreement with the UK.

The Prime Minister is under pressure to return Britain to the EU's orbit after the EU’s new trade chief Maros Sefcovic stresseed such an agreement would represent membership of the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM).

PEM operates under common rules which enable parts, ingredients and materials for manufacturing supply chains to be sourced from across dozens of countries in Europe and North Africa tariff-free.

The suggestion, rejected by the previous Tory Governments, was touted during Sefcovic’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The Prime Minister is unequioval about his determination to “reset” cross-Channel relations but continues to insist that this will not infringe on the UK’s decision to leave the Single Market or Customs Union.

Responding to Sefcovic's comments, Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: “Labour's programme of bending the knee to the EU is disgraceful.

“These latest reports that the Government might shackle us to the European Union are deeply concerning, and once again make clear that Keir Starmer and his chums are all too happy to put their ideology ahead of our national interest, no matter the cost.

“The Conservatives will always fight for the democratic freedoms the British public voted for, and will not stand idly by in the face of Labour's great betrayal of our country.”

Starmer’s Government is reportedly holding consultations with business leaders over the benefits of PEM but no final decision has yet been made.

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Brexiteers have long warned that being part of a Customs Union would block the UK from signing independent Free Trade Agreements, including with the United States.

However, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey is already publicly calling for an official return to the Customs Union.

Davey, who is expected to call for the UK to rejoin the EU later down the line, argued it was needed to boost Britain's economy and its ability to deal with the incoming Donald Trump presidency from a position of strength.

Sefcovic's suggestion, rejected by the previous Tory Governments, was touted during his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The Brussels bureaucrat said the idea has not been "precisely formulated" by London yet and the "ball is in the UK's court".

Sefcovic also hinted at a full-scale veterinary agreement to reduce frictions on farming and food trade, an updating fisheries deal and mobility plan for under 30s.

Sefcovic said it was hoped the scheme would "build bridges for the future for the European Union and the UK".

"That was the idea," he said. "[But] we've been a little bit surprised what kind of spin it got in the UK.

"It is not freedom of movement," Sefcovic added. "We have been very clear what we've been proposing."

Despite rejecting previous calls for a return of Freedom of Movement, Starmer could face pressure next month while attending a defence and security focused EU summit.

The Prime Minister is determined to “reset” cross-Channel relations but continues to insist that this will not infringe on the UK’s decision to leave the Single Market or Customs Union.

And No10 has since left the door open to accepting Sefcovic's PEM offer.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The arrangement that’s been discussed is not a customs union.

"Our red line has always been that we will never join a single market, freedom of movement, but we’re just not going to get ahead of those discussions."

However, MPs have already been exerting pressure on Starmer over under 30s being engaged in a free movement arrangement.

A 10-minute rule bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MP James McCleary, will receive a second reading on July 25.

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Keir Starmer branded a ‘very dangerous man’ as PM raises ‘authoritarian’ fears with protest crackdown

Political commentator Aaron Bastani has issued a stark warning about Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, describing him as a "very, very dangerous man" who could quickly become "authoritarian".

Speaking on GB News, Bastani expressed deep concerns about potential restrictions on protest rights under Starmer's leadership.

"I think he's a very, very dangerous man and I think he'd be a very authoritarian man very quickly," Bastani said.

The commentator warned that attempts to criminalise protest could lead down a "slippery slope".

The warning comes amid recent protests in London that saw significant police intervention.

Just days ago, 77 protesters were arrested during a pro-Palestine demonstration in central London.

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The Metropolitan Police said the arrests followed "a coordinated effort to breach Public Order Act conditions and cause serious disruption to Londoners".

The demonstration, which took place on the eve of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, was confined to a static rally in Whitehall after police rejected the organisers' initially proposed route.

It marked the largest number of arrests at such rallies since they began in October 2023.

Bastani defended the fundamental importance of protest rights, regardless of political stance.

"The right to protest is only meaningful if it applies to people you disagree with," he told GB News.

He pointed to recent farmers' protests as an example of positive democratic expression.

"If you look at the recent farmers' protest, that was really powerful and positive in many ways to see so many people from around the country protesting their point of view and their rights at the heart of Government," he said.

He stressed that protest rights shouldn't be limited only to those whose views align with the authorities.

Bastani warned that restrictions on pro-Palestinian protesters could set a concerning precedent.

"If he's doing this to Palestinian protesters, who do you think is next?" he questioned.

The political commentator emphasised that protecting fundamental rights was crucial for everyone.

"I think everybody should care deeply about the rights of free speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of protest, because it won't stop here if this man is given a free hand," he said.

His comments highlight growing tensions between protest rights and public order enforcement in the capital.

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Number of Britons who believe migration is too high hits greatest level on record as Starmer told to 'get a grip' on crisis

The amount of Britons who think migration to the UK is too high has reached record levels, a damning new poll has found.

Analysis by pollsters at YouGov has revealed that 71 per cent of Britons now think too many people are arriving in the UK - the highest percentage since its records began in July 2019.

The data also shows that 63 per cent of Labour voters now think immigration is too high - also the largest percentage on record.

And voters for Sir Keir Starmer's party appear not to be alone. The groups which have voiced fears at record levels include 25-64-year-olds, men, women, Conservative voters, Remain voters, and Britons from every region of the UK except Scotland and the North of England - which still poll at 68 and 69 per cent, respectively.

The only group which didn't show majority support for the view that migration is too high was 18-24-year-olds, at 44 per cent.

The data has sparked calls for Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to act - led by Migration Watch UK chairman Alp Mehmet.

He told GB News: "Public concern about immigration is longstanding, and has now reverted to the levels we saw before the electorate were fooled into believing it was going to be controlled and reduced.

"We warned that was never going to happen with the ridiculously lax immigration system introduced after Brexit.

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"We also warned that failure to control immigration and reduce immigration would further erode trust in politicians and our political system.

"It gives me no satisfaction to say we were right.

"Sir Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper would do well to regard this poll as another red flag and get a grip of both legal and illegal immigration."

Migration under the former Conservative Government has been the subject of attacks from Starmer himself - he has accused the Tories of running "a one-nation experiment in open borders" and has claimed cutting migration "will only be done with a serious plan".

Setting out his five 'milestones' in Labour's "Plan for Change" at the end of November, Starmer warned: "This happened by design, not accident.

"Policies were reformed deliberately to liberalise immigration.

"Brexit was used for that purpose… to turn Britain into a one-nation experiment in open borders. Global Britain - remember that slogan… That is what they meant."

While the Home Office's line is the same - Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said: "Net migration quadrupled in the past five years and we have been clear that we will get the numbers down and restore order to our broken immigration system as part of our Plan for Change."

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‘We’re sitting ducks for their stupidity’: Rachel Reeves torn apart by ex-SAS Phil Campion over ‘despicable’ tax raid on veterans

SAS veteran Phil Campion has launched a blistering attack on Labour's plans to impose inheritance tax on military death-in-service payments, calling the move "despicable" and bordering on "cowardice".

Speaking on GB News, Campion said armed forces personnel were "sitting ducks for their stupidity" because they lack union representation and cannot strike.

"It's another easy target for them - armed forces, we don't have unions," the former special forces soldier said.

"We can't go on strike. They couldn't put us further back in the queue when it comes to absolutely everything that they do."

Labour MPs have voted to impose inheritance tax on death-in-service payments for military families from April 2027.

The changes mean children or partners of unmarried servicemen and women will face death duties on the lump sum payments.

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Death-in-service payments, which typically amount to four times the late individual's salary, are currently tax-free.

Under the new rules, military personnel who die while off duty - such as from sudden illness or accident - will see their payments subject to inheritance tax of up to 40 percent.

The payments will go into probate if not left to a spouse or civil partner, and cannot be protected through trusts as they are part of the Armed Forces pension scheme.

In a passionate statement, Campion highlighted the constant demands placed on military personnel.

"When you sign that dotted line, you don't just sign it to go to war, you're on duty 24/7. You're on call 24/7. You can be plucked out of the sky any time they choose," he said.

The veteran referenced his recent work with Scotty's Little Soldiers, a charity supporting bereaved military children.

"Members from the charity are absolutely appalled that they would start taking from people like that. It's ridiculous," Campion added.

"It's just an absolute shock across everybody's bowels. It's despicable and borders on cowardice."

Major General Neil Marshall, chief executive of the Forces Pension Society, has written to HMRC urging them to reverse the decision.

In his letter, he warned the policy "poses a serious threat to morale, team cohesion and ultimately operational effectiveness" given the high-risk nature of military service.

A Treasury spokesman responded: "We value the immense sacrifice made by our brave Armed Forces."

The spokesman confirmed existing inheritance tax exemptions will continue to apply "if a member of the Armed Forces dies from a wound inflicted, accident occurring or disease contracted on active service."

Any pension funds left to a spouse or civil partner in such cases will also remain exempt.

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Watch moment Donald Trump is told to ‘have mercy’ on LGBT people and migrants by woke bishop in toe-curling lecture

Watch the moment Donald Trump was left exasperated during a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral as a bishop directly confronted him over LGBT rights and immigration policies.

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde used the interfaith service on Trump's first full day back in office to make an impassioned plea for mercy towards vulnerable communities.

The Episcopal Bishop of Washington addressed the president, who was seated in the front row alongside First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance with his wife Usha.

The remarkable confrontation came just after Trump had signed executive orders condemning "gender ideology" and declaring a policy recognising only two sexes.

"Let me make one final plea, Mr President," Bishop Budde said. "In the name of our god, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now."

She directly addressed LGBT concerns, stating: "There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in democratic, republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives."

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The bishop then defended immigrants, saying: "They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals."

"They pay taxes and are good neighbours. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues and temples," she added.

Trump turned away and looked over his shoulder during the bishop's remarks about immigrants, before examining the booklet he was holding.

Vice President Vance appeared visibly uncomfortable, raising his eyebrows and exchanging glances with his wife when LGBT rights were mentioned.

At another point during the sermon, Vance whispered to Mrs Vance after the bishop's comments about immigration.

The president and vice president shared a wordless exchange of looks during the address, with Trump also spending time looking down at the floor.

Both men maintained stern expressions throughout the service as Bishop Budde delivered her message.

When asked about the service afterwards, Trump told reporters: "They could have done better."

Bishop Budde has previously criticised Trump during his first term, particularly over his 2020 photo opportunity at St. John's Church near the White House.

At that time, she condemned Trump's actions as "antithetical to the teachings of Jesus" after peaceful protesters were cleared from the area.

Speaking during Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, the bishop had stated: "I've given up speaking to President Trump. We need to replace President Trump."

The bishop's diocesan website notes her advocacy for racial equity, immigration reform, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

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